Tarpon Springs is located on Florida's "Nature Coast" about 1 hour north of Tampa. The town has many historic, cultural and recreational activities. Wealthy Americans moved here in the 1800's because of abundant fresh water and fishing. Greek immigrants came at the turn of the century to dive commercially for sponges in the Gulf. The town is a unique mix of many diverse cultures. The influence of Greek island life is especially strong. You often hear Greek spoken around the Sponge Docks and downtown. Meticulously restored Victorian homes surround the Spring Bayou, located two blocks from our home. Relax at our peaceful cottage or at the beaches nearby (Howard Park and Sunset Beach). Our house is especially suited for couples and families. We know you will leave the area with not just wonderful memories, but perhaps with having learned a word or two of Greek, seen bald eagles, and watched manatees swimming in the Spring Bayou.
Tarpon Springs is still a working seaport situated on the banks of the Anclote River. Fishing, crabbing and shrimping boats ride the current into the Gulf of Mexico. You can often see one of the brightly painted sponge boats returning to port with strings of sponges hanging above its deck. Seagulls and pelicans loiter around the docks hoping for a bit of fish; locals call it "pelican happy hour!"
There are no Starbucks, Gaps or Borders in town and no mega yachts lingering about. The town hasn't changed much in the last fifty years. Some older Greek-American men still finger "worry beads" while they talk and drink strong coffee together. Children can watch sharks being fed at the local aquarium and even pet rays and small sharks in the touch tanks. Local restaurants are primarily Greek. However, there are also Thai, Japanese, Lebanese, and Italian restaurants in the area. Ride the trolley around town to get your bearings while you watch the boats and people pass. Browse in the antique emporiums downtown or enjoy the sunny weather at one of the various local parks or beaches.
We love that the area abounds with animal life and secluded areas. One of our favorite excursions is an eco-cruise which takes its passengers through quiet mangrove forests and shallows teeming with mullet. Watch bald eagles soar above the wide river as pelicans dive for fish and dolphins "surf the wake" behind the boat. After sunset, sit in one of the many charming Greek cafes, sipping coffee, munching on a honeyed pastry and listening to the surrounding lively conversations.
Getting There...
If you are flying into Tampa International Airport: Take Route 60 West toward Clearwater. Drive approximately 20 minutes to Route 19 North. Take 19 North and follow for approximately 25 minutes to Tarpon Avenue intersection. Turn left at the light onto Tarpon Avenue. Continue through downtown (several traffic lights) to the stop sign at Spring Bayou. Turn right and proceed to the next stop sign (half block). Go straight onto Grand Blvd. Travel one block to #219 on the left hand side. You will see a sign for the Safford House Museum. Park in driveway.
If you are driving from the north (Jacksonville area): Take Route 10 West to Interstate 75 South. Follow 75 for approximately 2 1/2 hours to Route 52 West. Take 54 West approximately 1 hour to Route 19 South. Follow Route 19 South approximately 40 minutes to Tarpon Avenue intersection. Turn right at the light onto Tarpon Avenue. Continue through downtown (several traffic lights) to the stop sign at Spring Bayou. Turn right and proceed to the next stop sign (half block). Go straight onto Grand Blvd. Travel one block to #219 on the left hand side. You will see a sign for the Safford House Museum. Park in driveway.
If you are coming from the Orlando area: Take Interstate 4 West approximately 1 hour to Interstate 75 North. Take 75 North approximately 20 minutes to Route 54 West. Follow 54 West approximately 1 hour to Route 19 South. Take Route 19 South approximately 15 minutes to Tarpon Avenue. Turn right at the light onto Tarpon Avenue. Continue through downtown (several traffic lights) to the stop sign at Spring Bayou. Turn right and proceed to the next stop sign (half block). Go straight onto Grand Blvd. Travel one block to #219 on the left hand side. You will see a sign for the Safford House Museum. Park in driveway.
